Free Museums In St Louis
One of the best things about St Louis is that we have tons of free museums! If there is ever a day when you cant find anything going on in St Louis, which is rare, there are a few world-class museums to turn to for help.
6. The Saint Louis Art Museum
It will be hard to get through all of the Saint Louis Art Museum in one day, so dont rush it! There is one exhibit in the contemporary wing that is paid, the rest is completely free. Dont miss the sculpture park!
7. The Missouri History Museum
These exhibits change rapidly, so even if youve visited before, its time for another visit! While the Missouri History Museum focuses on, well, Missouri History, dont let that keep you from visiting. The curators at this museum do an excellent job at storytelling to grab visitors attention no matter where youre from.
8. The World Chess Hall of Fame
If youre not interested in chess, dont let the name deter you. The World Chess Hall of Fame Museum is a really awesome collaboration between artists and the chess community. And features anything from chess inspired artwork to chess pieces made out of unexpected things. They do ask for donations if youve enjoyed your visit, but there is no cost of admission to get inside.
The newly redone museum under the Gateway Arch is filled with history of the region and of the westward expansion. Since the 2018 remodel, the museum gained 46,000 square feet of museum exhibits!
One of the exhibits
All Aboard At St Louis Union Station
St. Louis Union Station was once one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, helping move passengers from the east coast to the western part of the United States. Today it is home to more than 13,000 animals at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, a carousel, an 18-hole mini-golf course, the mirror maze, a ropes course, the train park, and several restaurants to go along with the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. While youre there, dont miss the Grand Hall Light Show, which airs daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Laser lights dance on the 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling of the historic train station lobby, narrated by famous St. Louisans, including Jon Hamm, Bob Costas, Dan Dierdorf and Joe Buck. Grab a cocktail at the bar, sit back and enjoy the show.
Take A Swing At Indoor Mini Golf
St. Louis has added a couple of newer mini golf courses in the past few years but theyre outdoors, and are more landscaped-centered courses rather than ones with traditional windmills and blue rhinos.
St. Louis boasts two truly unique and indoor mini golf courses. For the fifth summer now, local artists and creative people worked to create nine truly unique holes at the Sheldon in Grand Center celebrating St. Louis and the arts. The event is called Golf the Galleries. And at St. Louis Escape Rooms, you have to book a reservation for this unique indoor Retro Golf course thats neon, ’80s-themed, and with black light.
In late 2022, watch for Puttshack upscale mini golf to open at City Foundry.
Retro Golf at the St. Louis Escape Rooms photographed July 7, 2021.
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St Louis Bourbon Festival Oct 21
Back and bigger than ever! St. Louis Bourbon Festival is hosted by the St. Louis Bourbon Society with proceeds from the auction and raffle benefitting the St. Louis Hero Network for First Responders. This festival includes over 450+ bourbon, whiskey, and scotch tastings from around the world. Explore historic Cherokee Street while sampling as many of these fine spirits as you can handle, please drink responsibly! There will also be live music, food trucks, a silent auction, and more! Tickets start at $90!
Location: 1817 Cherokee St, St Louis, MO 63118
Raise A Pint To St Louis Brewing History
St. Louis is overflowing with breweries, from world-famous Anheuser-Busch to small craft producers. At A-B, visitors may choose from a number of tour experiences. You can visit the Clydesdales, learn to brew beer and take a behind-the-scenes VIP look at the brewing operations. As the citys first craft brewery since prohibition, Schlafly is a St. Louis stalwart, offering great beer and great food at four area locations. With two locations in St. Louis Midtown and The Grove plus one in Germany, Urban Chestnut pours beers made with old-world techniques in a modern style. At 4 Hands Brewing Co., which is within walking distance to Busch Stadium, choose from a core lineup of lagers, ryes and ales, or pick a seasonal pour. Looking for a hidden gem? Try Narrow Gauge, which is tucked into an Italian restaurant in Florissant and sought after for its creative small-batch brews.
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Visit Car Heaven At The St Louis Auto Show
Get revved up for the annual St. Louis Auto Show, which is held in January each year right here in the city. A celebration of all things automotive, this highly anticipated event attracts dozens of big-name brands like Chrysler and Harley Davidson to show off their latest inventions on wheels.
Discover some of the latest hot models on the market and be one of the first to lay eyes on whacky concept cars that wouldnt be out of place in the Back to the Future films. Then get behind the wheel of your favorite jeeps and bikes for the ultimate test drive.
You dont need to be a motor enthusiast to enjoy a day out here, as there are lots of fun attractions that all the family can get stuck into.
Browse The Soulard Farmers Market
The historic Soulard Farmers Market in the heart of St. Louis is one of the oldest markets in the Midwest, dating back to 1779. Tucked away in a grand hall built in the Italian Renaissance style, the market makes for an atmospheric afternoon excursion.
There are nearly 150 stalls with vendors from the local area selling everything from organic farm produce to artisan jewelry. Savor the scents as you wander around the food section, where seafood, cheese, and spices lure you in. Stop at the bakery for warm bread and cinnamon buns or visit the Cajun Corner for an authentic Creole lunch.
The market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, all year round. Go armed with some cash as most suppliers arent set up to take cards.
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Visit The Saint Louis Zoo
Address: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
How about meeting some incredible animals, including Lemurs and leopards? The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country for this, and its free to enter. This makes it one of the best free things to do in St. Louis.
The zoo is home to more than 14,000 animals, meaning its one of the largest zoos in the US. You can also see some amazing shows here, such as the Childrens Zoo Show and the Sea Lion Show. In addition, there are educational programs for kids and adults alike.
If you visit during summer, dont miss out on the Zoos famous Penguin & Puffin Coast, where you can see these adorable birds up close. You can even walk through a glass tunnel that goes right through their exhibit. The place offers a great sight as you admire the four penguin species, two puffin species, and numerous other water birds.
Other animals that will certainly make your visit here worthwhile include sea lions, giant tortoises, Giraffes, and zebras. You can even take some selfies with these animals, of course, the harmless ones.
Even better, all animals in this zoo are available if you wish to adopt one. Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best things to do in the city, and its perfect for a day out with the family. The 75-minute City Trolley Tour is an incredible way to tour the zoo.
Beat The Heat: Things To Do In St Louis In The Summer
St. Louis is home to the countrys oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny. The Muny in Forest Park produces seven seven musicals each year and welcomes 350,000 guests during its nine-week season. Tickets are available for purchase if youd like to sit closer to the stage, but the free seats toward the back are also a great option for free entertainment. Now in its 101st year of production, The Muny has adapted to the times and is presenting online entertainment. Catch The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour Live! Tuesdays and Thursdays on YouTube.
Have you ever taken a cruise on a riverboat? Riverboat Cruises at the Gateway Arch is currently offering three different experiences: St. Louis Riverfront Cruise, Skyline Dinner Cruise and Arch View Lunch Cruise. Take in the views on a relaxing one-hour daytime cruise narrated by the captain or a National Park Service Ranger. The Skyline Dinner Cruise is a two-hour cruise that features live music, a chef-inspired dinner menu and stunning views of the downtown skyline at night. Enjoy lunch with a view on the Mississippi River with the Arch View River Cruise, complete with live music.
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Take An Interactive History Lesson
Take an exciting and educational trip through the past at the Missouri History Museum, where guests can view a variety of exhibits and join a See STL walking tour with excursions to various historical points of interest in the city. History lovers can also step inside the home of ragtime legend Scott Joplin, explore a world heritage site and ancient civilization at Cahokia Mounds and tour the final resting place of many of St. Louis most prominent citizens at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Step inside the century-old Central Library, a magnificent building designed by world-famous architect Cass Gilbert in 1912 and fully restored for its 100th anniversary. The buildings classic beauty, now complemented with 21st century technology, means visitors can find Civil War battle maps, learn a new language or create their own high-quality recording.
Romantic Restaurants And Cafes In St Louis
360 Rooftop for drinks with a view. Perched on top of the Hilton the 360 rooftop is known as the snow globe at 400 feet off the ground with amazing views of the Gateway Arch. The restaurant holds a 4.5-star rating with indoor or outdoor seating, fire pits and an open kitchen.
Baileys Chocolate Bar. A chocolate lovers dream. Baileys has everything chocolate. Chocolate infused drinks, deserts and pastries. All made with in house handmade chocolate infusions.
Angad Arts Hotel for dinner and drinks. With five different lounges/bars to choose from with access to 4.5-star cuisine, guests say there is no reason to even leave the hotel. The Grand Tavern is the Hotels signature restaurant.
Vin de Set. St Louis most romantic restaurant with a rooftop patio with a bar and unmatched French dinning. With a year-round outdoor terrace, make sure to book your reservations early as outdoor spots are limited.
The Boathouse. Concerts on the deck, festivals and more. If you are a pet lover, The Boathouse has an animal friendly menu and features a local adoptable animal of the week. So, you can bring your furkid or maybe look for a new member to add to the family.
Crown Candy Kitchen. A nostalgic restaurant with ice cream fountain and a candy store. Everything from the antique register, Coca-Cola memorabilia to the oldest working soda fountain in the area gives it a feel of a simpler time.
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Things To Do In St Louis
If you want to explore some of the top things to do in and around St. Louis, youve come to the right place! The list of things to do in St. Louis is endless, from taking in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium to riding to the top of the Gateway Arch, the nations tallest monument. With incredible restaurants, top-notch bars and breweries, a vibrant arts scene, tons of family-friendly activities and parks galore, the Gateway City is your gateway to fun. These are our picks for the top 25 must-do things when you come to St. Louis, but the list doesnt stop here. We have lots more to explore, from dining and nightlife to shopping to places to stay and events that are sure to keep you smiling while youre in town.
St Louis Science Center
The St. Louis Science Center is a fun place for kids and grown-ups alike. It is so large that it occupy’s three huge buildings. It includes many perpetual exhibits as well as several exhibits that changes throughout the year.
The Omnimax theater shows interesting educational type films. They also show mainstream movies occasionally.
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Host A Workshop At A Peerspace Venue
Looking for a customizable event space? Host your own workshop at a private Peerspace venue instead. In fact, you dont have to worry about buying out a whole bar or pub to have a private space to bring your team building ideas in St. Louis to life. With Peerspace, you can rent unique venues from local hosts by the hour. Each listing explains the venue size and capacity, so you know youll have just the right size space for your team.
Choose from an eclectic bohemian loft in Overland that has room for 60 people and various seating options. Or, how about this bright and beautiful loft in Soulard with room for 30? You can find office space with Wi-Fi and A/V gear with ease or a more offbeat location for team games and photoshoots. Youll find a variety of options to choose from on Peerspace that you can book with ease. Plus, you can call up the Concierge for help adding additional services to your booking, such as professional catering or photography services from a trusted local vendor. Its the easiest way to create an event tailored to your team and your preferences.
It Has A Chess Museum
If you love chess, there are plenty of things to do in St. Louis. World Chess Hall of Fame is one of the most popular. Its a nonprofit collecting museum located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The museum features a diverse collection of historical and contemporary chess pieces, as well as a chess school for children.
The World Chess Hall of Fame opened its doors in Saint Louis on September 9, 2011. The museum features artifacts from the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, as well as a permanent collection and temporary exhibits. The museum highlights famous chess players, historical games, and the rich cultural history of chess. Even adults can learn something about the history of the game by visiting the museum.
A visit to the Chess Museum of Missouri will be an educational and entertaining day out for all ages. Be aware that some galleries are closed during special events, so make sure to check before leaving early. Alternatively, the museum is open to the public during regular business hours, although early dismissal can be an inconvenience if youre looking for a family day out. And dont forget to bring along a camera, because the museum is a fun place to snap some shots of the chessboard game!
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Try Rock Climbing At An Indoor Wall
You dont need to be out in the mountains to have a go at rock climbing. There are indoor walls right here in St. Louis where you can learn the ropes of this adrenaline-filled sport. Lessons are available for first-timers and those wanting to polish their skills in a safe climbing wall setting.
After getting kitted up with harnesses and shoes, its time to show what youre made of. See if you can scale the lofty heights of the 45-foot walls, negotiating tricky overhangs on the way up. Or traverse the urban cliff instead, using the different colored climbing holds to navigate along your intended route.
Once youve got to the top, the hard bit is over and its time for a gentle abseil back down to earth.
Saint Louis Is A Vibrant City
If youre a parent, Saint Louis is an excellent choice. The citys many attractions and cultural offerings are perfect for children and adults. In addition to a plethora of parks and playgrounds, St. Louis is home to a thriving arts community. Whether youre looking for a fun family day out or an exciting career opportunity, St. Louis has something for everyone.
As the second largest inland port in the United States, St. Louis is a major hub for rail freight, providing easy access to a wealth of resources and activities. The citys two airports link it to the rest of the country and international destinations, including Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. If you want to stay local, the city offers extensive light rail and highway systems. You can find an Airbnb near the citys downtown area or take advantage of the St. Louis metro areas public transportation system.
If youre traveling with children, you might want to consider the citys school district before making a decision on where to live. Many of the neighborhoods are residential, while others are more suited for young children. If youre traveling with kids, youll also want to investigate the citys school district so your child can have a great experience, without leaving a big city behind. However, St. Louis has something to offer everyone, so its definitely worth checking out.
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